SUPER DTP postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are encouraged to undertake an internship during the course of their studies to support their personal and career development.
Internships undertaken as part of the SUPER DTP are intended to generate mutual benefit between students and host organisations and to enhance the quality or impact of research.
The SUPER internships guidance document outlines more information for PGRs and host organisations about internship benefits, suggested timings, logistics, and how to find or set up internships.
Another useful resource is a guide to gaining work experience outside academia from Vitae, The researcher on placement.
Experiences
SUPER PGRs share their experiences of undertaking an internship:
- Victoria Gillman: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2023.
- Callum Hamilton: Rastech, 2023.
- Sophie Smith: Deutsches Meeremuseum Stralsund, 2023.
- Charlotte Lee: MiAlgae, 2023.
- Izzy Langley: SMRU Consulting, 2023.
- Jack Sheehy: JNCC, 2021.
- Lydia McGill: NatureScot, 2020.
Current Opportunities
Below are internship opportunities or short fixed-term vacancies that the SUPER team have found. If they do not suit, you can source your own opportunities by defining what you are looking for and making approaches to relevant organisations. The list of SUPER DTP associate partners is a useful reference for possible organisations to contact.
Those with Deadlines
Environmental Standards Scotland Internship
The aim of this internship is to produce a report that syntheses current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and other measures in mitigating physical disturbance to benthic habitats and species in Scottish seas. This will include assessing available evidence regarding the ability of MPA measures to mitigate the pressures caused by activities associated with physical disturbance and enable recovery of benthic species and habitats following the removal of physical disturbance pressure. This is a full time internship for 3 months from February, paid at £1,555/month, with an additional £355 to support travel. The role is hybrid with one office day in Edinburgh per week, but could be remote for those with circumstances where it would be difficult to travel. The deadline for applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 17 January.
Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Protection Officer x4
This role will focus on providing osprey and other wildlife species protection during the sensitive period of the breeding season. The candidate will have the fantastic opportunity to gain experience in species ID, use of webcam and security camera software, working with volunteers, and public engagement. This is a part-time role for 17.5 hours/week, fixed-term for 8 weeks, April-June, and is paid at £22,900 pro rata. The successful applicants will be based at the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Dunkeld where on-site accommodation will be provided. The deadline for applications is noon on Friday 31 January.
European Marine Board Young Ambassador Programme
The EMB are looking for PhD students with a background in any aspect related to the marine environment, including natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, interdisciplinary research, and/or science communication that are willing to use their creativity, imagination, communication and interpersonal skills to help promote marine science and EMB activities as Young Ambassadors. This long-term programme helps YAs to get involved in EMB projects from start to finish, and meet and liaise with European and international experts throughout. YAs will receive a total grant of 2,000 EUR over two years and an expenses allowance of up to 3,000 EUR. The deadline to apply is 11.00 pm UTC Sunday 2 February.
Open Recruitment
The Technology Partnership Industry Internships
TTP is an independent technology company where scientists, engineers, and designers collaborate to invent and develop new products and technologies. Your internship will see you putting your technical and research skills to work within a commercially focused environment; providing the opportunity to experience how your academic knowledge and skillsets could be utilised within an industry setting. Flexible length of programme, usually between 3 to 6 months. Internships are paid.
People’s Trust for Endangered Species Student Internship
The PTES Wildlife Conservation Internship Programme began in 2001. Since then over 90 young people have benefited, working on practical projects helping hedgehogs, water voles, pine martens, bats, adders, bottlenose dolphins, numerous butterflies and a host of other species. Internships range from full time for 6 months, up to 18 months part-time. A grant of up to £5,000 is available to support living costs whilst the work is undertaken.
The United Nations Internship Programme
The UN offers internships across multiple departments in locations worldwide. Internships last for at least two and can be as long as six months and are unpaid, but some support is available through your TSG. Apply for open positions, or specifically for the UN Environment Programme.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Internships
Successful interns will provide support to OECD Policy Analysts in one of many areas, including climate, energy, and science and technology. Typical tasks include:
- participating in the preparation of studies and documents, carrying out research and reviews of existing materials;
- collecting, organising, and analysing data;
- contributing to the production of documents, working papers and publications resulting from the above activities, including drafting notes and preparing technical annexes, and;
- liaising and building networks with officials in national administrations, researchers, other international organisations and member country Delegations.
The majority of internships are based in Paris, France and are full time for 1 to 6 months. Interns receive a contribution to living expenses of ~700€/mnth.
STEM Ambassador Programme
The STEM Ambassador programme through STEM Learning is flexible, allowing you to volunteer in a way that suits you, it could be online or in person, in schools or in community groups, by supporting lessons or extra-curricular activities and working with young people or their educators. STEM Ambassadors make an impact by:
- Supporting learning – help young people to understand the real world applications of their learning.
- Illuminating careers – showcase different careers, providing information on roles and pathways into industry while raising awareness of the skills that are important in the workplace.
- Raising aspirations – give young people the opportunity to meet a wide range of inspiring role models, encouraging them as they think about their future.